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Living Free - Jan. 29, 2014

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." - Proverbs 22:6 NLT

Thoughts for Today

Schoolage children should be givendefinite chores or responsibilities in your home. Chores appropriate for this age would be carrying out the garbage, making their bed, clearing the table.

You might consider offering payment for extra chores. It is a good way to teach them the value of work. Their basic duties should not be compensated. They need to learn that they are expected to help simply because they are a part of the family.

Consider this …

At 5-6 years, you might want to start a small weekly allowance (perhaps $1-$2) if you have not done so already. Encourage them to save one portion, to tithe one portion, and allow them to choose how they use the remainder. Teach and encourage generosity.

By age 9 or 10, it is helpful to let your children open their own bank account, in their name. A way to encourage saving is to offer each month to match the money they have deposited. They can learn to save for specific items, or special occasions, as well as learning delayed gratification. A child's own bank account can be a source of great pride and can go a long way in promoting responsibility.

Prayer

Father, help my children to develop a sense of responsibility. Give me wisdom and patience in teaching them. In Jesus' name …

by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.